A Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted kingwood, mahogany and amaranth partner bureau plat and its cartonnier France, circa 1915, after the celebrated model by Simon Oeben

the bureau plat with three frieze drawers fitted to each side and by a tooled brown leather writing surface to its top, the cartonnier surmounted by a gilt and patinated bronze clock case with cherubs allegorical of the arts and celebrating France above five gilt tooled leather lined drawers, each side of the cartonnier fitted with a small drawer and a cupboard opening to one shelf, one frieze drawer with the engraved brass plaque reading  AMEUBLEMENTS DE STYLE / Meubles Sieges, Tentures / AU GROS CHENE / 12, Rue Drouot /  A PARIS

By repute, the Estate of Sarah Bernhardt
Acquired from the above by the family of the present owner

Alexander Pradère, French Furniture Makers,éd Sotheby's, p.265, for an illustration of the original bureau plat made circa 1765

The bronze figures on top are with light scratches and surface dirt. The gilt-bronze with wear and losses to gilding especially to areas of high relief such as the projecting decorative elements. The cornice of the cartonnier is with chips to veneer. One of the fluted inlays to the proper right of upper portion of cartonnier is loose. Cornice to lower portion of cartonnier with chips to veneer; one of the fluted gilt-bronze inlays to proper left of lower section is detached but present; proper right side is missing its rectangular framing mount, which is present. The leather with fading, extensive scratches and losses; surrounding veneer with scratches, dents, and abrasions. Proper right side of bureau plat is missing two drawer pulls but one is present in a bag. Gilding to gilt-bronze mount at edge of desk with wear especially to the edges and corners consistent with age and use. The four foot mounts are detached. Although the bronze feet are present, we believe the legs have been reduced in height and in order to set the bronze feet back a block of wood will need to be added to each leg in order to receive the mounts. Please note that the cabinetry with all of its veneer has sun fading and extensive scratches and dents throughout. The clock movement present to the back of the dial is a later electric movement which does not work; however, the original 19th century movement is present in a bag and has not been checked for functionality. The bell is missing, but the winding key and the pendulum are all present. Please note that the movement has not been checked for functionality. However, the movement is complete and may be put into a working state by a professional horologist.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The 18th century original belonged to the Duc de Choiseul-Praslin, Prime Minister for Louis XV, and can be recognized in one of the gouaches by Van Blarenberghe of the interiors of Choiseul's house, circa 1770.  The contents of Choiseul's house were sold in 1796 and Oeben's model was purchased by the Duke of Hamilton.  In turn the Duc d'Aumale purchased the same cartonnier from the Hamilton Palace sale of 1882 (lot 878), now in the Musée Condé at the Château de Chantilly.